WCRiot

Hi guys,
I read through the forums from time to time b/c I absolutely fell in love with these trucks a year ago. I am NOT ex military/currently serving like most of you seem to be. But, I am a antique car/truck fanatic.

I almost bought a 50's Dodge Powerwagon used by the Forest Ranger services three years ago. But, the guy wanted too much money and I wasn't ready for a project at that time.

Right now, I currently have a 1954 Chevrolet car that I am restoring. This is a big project for me and will probably take several years.

But, In bordem at work. I was searching for a Military car/truck in case there was a good deal and I think I found one. Now, before i say anything else. This is NOT a truck for the purist.

The guy that bought it does not know too much about it. From what he says, some of the gauges in the cab work. Some have been replaced. He says there is only "surface" rust, but I've heard that one before.

He has modified the truck to be a little bit more practical. The Modifications are: a Chevy 350 engine with some performance hop ups. Probably pushing 350hp. The transmission was changed to some heavy duty off road transmission commonly used in Rock Crawlers. I think first geart is a 7.33 ratio and 4th gear is 1.00

He had some wheels modified to work with commerical tires. He has the original wheels and tires and will throw them in with the truck.

He has done quite a bit of practical maintenance to the truck and only driven it about 20hrs since hes done all the work.

What would you say this is worth? Knowing my situation with my other project car, do u think that this truck would be a decent driver? I won't daily drive it, but I do want to use it as a work truck and have some style.

I will slowly start bringing it back to original in terms of interior and exterior. But, I like the engine. I'm not thrilled about the transmission, cause I dont plan on going off roading. The wheels and tires are ugly, but practical

Attached Images

	m37a.jpg (7.0 KB, 139 views)
	m37b.jpg (7.3 KB, 147 views)
	m37c.jpg (8.1 KB, 140 views)
	m37d.jpg (7.7 KB, 137 views)

Wolf.Dose

I would NOT buy it. To much work to get it back to somewhat original.
The original axles will NOT live very long with that much torque of the 350 Chevy!
Wolf

mikes47jeep

it depends what he's asking, if its cheap enough i'd go for it but it will take quite a bit to get it back in original shape

Mike

__________________
1947 Cj2a (MB clone)
194? Bantam T3-C (newest addition)
1953 M38A1
1957 Willys wagon
1966 M416 trailer
1967 M151A1
1983 Chevy C30 6.2L (its not a CUCV but its close)

Some people are like Slinkies ...
Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.

atankersdad

Its if you can afford it, it runs, and close it is a deal, Use your heart. I love those trucks and parts are easy to get.

bulldog_mack13

I agree with tankersdad. But you can get a stock M37 for probably alot less and bring it back ot running shape real easy but if you wanted the 350 then id go for it! , Jay

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Military Vehicle Collectors of Colorado
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WCRiot

Guys,
Thanks for all your feedback. I didn't think this forum moved so quickly.

The guy is asking $3,500, its an hour drive from me. And he claims it runs and drives great. So I'm so very tempted.
Wolf's comments concerned me about the axles. Are the axles on these trucks really a weak point?

I'm okay driving the truck in its current form as long as its reliable. Cosmetics will come later. I just know how rare these trucks are especially a rust free truck, I'd hate to miss an oppourtunity to own one.

ONE THING I FORGOT TO MENTION: The current owner said, he thinks the truck was originally paint yellow. What does that mean in terms of the type of truck it is?

dcbrown

You might want to watch Ebay. There are always M37s on there, in various states - from pretty rough, to frame-off restorations that are factory new condition. You'll see some very clean M37s, for a little more than you'd pay for this one. I understand that location is everything, but they surface every day, and with a little patience, you'll find a nice one close by. Just a thought.

bubba_got_you

axles will be fine as long as you don't drive like a nut. but yes they are the weakest link on this truck but that's just the shafts that are week. as for the yellow...well that just meant it was a brush truck.

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SON OF A B/TCH TOOL: Any handy tool that you grab and throw across the garage while yelling 'Son of a bltch' at the top of your lungs. It is also, most often, the next tool that you will need.

An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile - hoping it will eat him last.
- Winston Churchill

If it walks out of the refrigerator, just let it go…

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Sgt Hulka

Depends on a lot of things... Conversions of anything tend to be problematic (remember the Jaguars with 350 Chevys in the 70s?). But if it's a real sanitary job, professionally done, it could be a fun toy for the non-purist. The running gear, if it's original, cannot be abused by that V-8. If it seems sanitary, and you seem quite competent, and you're not a purist, and it really isn't rusty, and it's a great price... why not?

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Sgt Hulka

1985 M1009 (USA to US Forest Service)
1985 M1009 (USA to Pennsylvania State Police)
1959 Willys CJ-5
1966 Chevy Stingray (427)
1982 Harley FXR (Shovelhead)

WCRiot

The first day I can, I'm going to go out there and take a look at it.
I think it is important to check out the modifiations which have been made to this truck. Some people hack stuff together and others don't...

So looking at the big picture. Compared to other M37's you have seen for sale. Is this price considered a good deal?